Meet the Crew : Smokin Gun Apothecary

Meet the Crew : Smokin Gun Apothecary

I think it goes without saying that the nuances and intricacies of running a cannabis establishment are monumental at the least and a giant freaking headache at the worst. On initial inspection, it may be hard to rationalize from a third-party perspective just how difficult it is to run a commercial marijuana establishment. As such a nascent industry the rules and regulations that go into operating a dispensary are mind-boggling. Add into the mix a Marijuana Enforcement Division that is hawkishly eyeing every cannabis establishment for even the smallest slip-up and the tribulations of running a retail establishment for cannabis become clear. Despite all the challenges every dispensary out there faces, the best way to ensure your success is by finding the perfect team to make sure everything runs smoothly and create the perfect environment that is suited for all customers. When it comes to dispensary dream teams you can’t get much better than the crew at Smokin Gun Apothecary, a recreational marijuana dispensary located in Glendale, Colorado. The staff and ownership of Smokin Gun have spent the last few years tirelessly dedicating their storefront as an homage to the war on drugs and the damage that it is caused to our nation. Besides having impeccable taste in products, and all-encompassing knowledge of compliance and regulatory rules, the crew at Smokin Gun has created an environment with a unique feel that makes this one of the most exciting dispensaries in the state. Over the last couple weeks, I corresponded with several of the crew members at Smokin Gun to get their take on what makes this gem of a dispensary so special and gain their insight on what is coming next for the marijuana industry as a whole. Without further ado, let’s meet the crew!

Brittany – Purchasing Manager (Accessories):

Q) What is your role at Smokin Gun?A) I am the Ordering Manager for accessories and apparel and also have a hand in Managing the Floor for day shift.

Q) What makes Smokin Gun unique from other dispensaries?A) Smokin Gun is super unique! It is the most fun and interactive dispensary I’ve ever been in. We are also all about education and making sure that our guests are happy and confident with their purchases. We don’t produce any of our own products and buy wholesale from all around Colorado; that gives us the advantage of being able to choose from the best of the best in the industry.

Q) How and why did you enter the cannabis industryA) I came into the industry almost 4 years ago. I was inspired by my dad; he was one of the first 500 people in Colorado to be a medicinal patient and the effects it has had on his chronic pain has been unbelievable to see. I’ve always had a passion for cannabis plant as a whole and the science behind the effects. It will be exciting to see what medical breakthroughs cannabis makes in the future.

Q) Where do you see Smokin Gun and the industry as a whole going in the next decade?A) The industry as a whole will only keep growing! The more states that legalize the more powerful the industry will get. As for Smokin Gun I hope to see more locations in the future, we still have a strong need for education so the further we can grow the more people we can help.

Q) What is your favorite device/smoking tool at Smokin Gun and why?A) I’m a classic smoker and I love my flower anything grown by Veritas or Binske always hits the spot. For my discreet, on the go smoking, I like the Mellow cartridges by Mezz (they’ve got a great Key Flip battery) or any of the Binske cartridges.

Dee – Assistant GM:

Q) What is your role at Smokin Gun?A) I am the proud Assistant GM of Smokin Gun Apothecary. Here we are a family. We share our knowledge with each other and our guests every day. As a team we believe knowledge is power. My goal is to stomp out the old stoner stereotype and prove to the world what cannabis can do for you. We have a wide variety of clientele from soccer moms to business professionals. Cannabis is for everyone.

Q) What makes Smokin Gun unique from other dispensaries?A) We are the first of it’s kind. Smokin Gun an anti-prohibition museum, and our open floor set up is a welcoming, fun, and relaxed environment. It really gives people the opportunity to customize their cannabis experience. They can be in and out in a jiff, or stay and enjoy our 1941 Mississippi replica jail cell where you can buy “joints in the joint” and check out our antique teller booth from the original Bank of Hibernia 1870 New Orleans. Between the hand painted mural and amazing selections its’s perfect for seasoned smokers and first timers.

Q) How and why did you enter the cannabis industry?A) I entered into this booming industry as an advocate of cannabis and not only it’s recreational enjoyment, but as well as it’s many medicinal purposes. [We] mustn’t forget all the lives that have been changed, if not saved on behalf of CBD and hemp alone. The future is green!

Q) Where do you see Smokin Gun and the industry as a whole going in the next decade?A) The industry keeps on growing, along with the support. I can see a future where instead of prescription drugs, people have a more healthy and natural cannabis derived option in its place. I can see a future where all states are legal and the prohibition has come to an end. I can see a future of a happier, longer living, and a more understanding public.

Q) What is your favorite product at Smokin Gun and why?A) We have a large selection which makes it difficult to decide on one favorite product, so I’ll give you my top three! Nomad live resin is my favorite concentrate, with an amazing terpene profile, beautiful blonde color, and crystals that’ll blow your mind. My favorite edible is Loves Oven edibles. They come in a variety of cookies and brownies that are made with cannabutter and are also strain specific. Wonderful taste and you know exactly what’s in it. For Sativa and Indica fans alike, Loves Oven is a game changer. Lastly, one of the best things about having a large flower selection is our full gram hand rolled joints! I’m always on the go, so it’s wonderful to be able to run in and grab some pre rolled joints of some of our best strains on the showroom floor.

Kyle – Purchasing Manager (Concentrates):

Q) What is your role at Smokin Gun?A) I’m one of the managers. I focus on product. Concentrate /Topical orders, inventory, accepting deliveries, basic compliance, Metrc/Biotrack. I also spend some time budtending or working the door to cover breaks. I like to divide my day into several different parts, and I help where I’m needed.

Q) What makes Smokin Gun unique from other dispensaries?A) A strong staff make a strong dispensary. We make people feel comfortable, and we know what we’re talking about. They have the option to browse on their own, or they can ask as many questions as they’d like. Our staff is experienced and we enjoy what we do. Our guests can take their time. We listen and we teach.

Q) How and why did you enter the cannabis industry?A) My degree is in Television/Video production. I moved to Denver from Milwaukee so that I could start out in a mid sized TV market. A few months later I had a grand mal seizure while driving. I broke my back in three places and started having multiple seizures a week. The anti seizure medications didn’t work and the pain pills made me sick. I tried a cannabis regimen, and it stopped the seizures almost immediately. There were a few surprises here and there, but currently I’ve been seizure free for three years. It will always be a part of my life, so I switched industries.

Q) Where do you see Smokin Gun and the industry as a whole going in the next decade?A) Cannabis knowledge and legalization continue to spread worldwide. The good of the industry far outweighs any negatives. Cannabis helps so many people and it makes so much money that there’s no going back to the bad old days of full prohibition.

Q) What is your favorite concentrate/extract at Smokin Gun and why?A) It’s hard to pick favorites. I try to be impartial. However, the CBX Meditate line from evolab is remarkable for sleep. I can’t recommend it enough.

Lena – Purchasing Manager (Flower – Edibles):

Q) What is your role at Smokin Gun?A) My role at the Smokin Gun is as a Floor/Ordering Manager. I get the joy and privilege of heading our flower and edibles.

Q) What makes Smokin Gun unique from other dispensaries?A) What makes Smokin Gun unique is our focus on quality and the guest experience.

Q) How and why did you enter the cannabis industry?A) I grew up with a family of growers. My family and I also worked on amendment 64. So it only came naturally to be apart of this industry. I always thought I would stay in the grow until they opened The Smokin Gun. Once I came in to see the place for myself, I knew this is where I belonged.

Q) Where do you see Smokin Gun and the industry as a whole going in the next decade?A) I see the industry in 10 years to be dominated by education. Most of what we explain everyday to our guests will be common knowledge.

Q) What is your favorite product at Smokin Gun and why?A) I am a flower girl, so flower will always dominate in my world!

Melissa – GM:

Q) What is your role at Smokin Gun?A) My title is General Manager/shop mom. My role is to oversee daily operations, resolve internal/external issues, keep my team motivated (food usually works), ensure SGA is always improving and providing the best guest experience, and test new products……for quality control of course.

Q) What makes Smokin Gun unique from other dispensaries?A) I feel that we are different from other dispensaries because our focus is on the guest experience. We really aim to personalize every guest experience in hopes to slowly change the negative stigma associated with cannabis to a positive and educational experience. We also really want people to remember that we are so blessed to be able to buy and sell cannabis legally, not too long ago that was not the case.

Q) How and why did you enter the cannabis industry?A) I worked for the government for 13 years. I loved my jobs at the government but I was looking to grow professionally. I worked for MED and recognized the need for more structured and process oriented people in the industry. A friend of mine owned a business in the industry and offered me a job. Four years later here I am!

Q) Where do you see Smokin Gun and the industry as a whole going in the next decade?A) I hope to see SGA become a staple in the industry, one of the must visit dispensaries in Colorado. As far as the industry as a whole, I’d like to see the industry grow professionally from top to bottom. I’d like cannabis to be taken seriously as an industry and not seen as a novelty industry.

Q) What is your favorite product at Smokin Gun and why?A) For a while now my favorite product at SGA has been the Ripple Dissovlable THC/CBD – Relief 20:1. I love this product for a few reasons, it’s very functional and uplifting while relaxing at the same time. I have a very busy life so I tend to gravitate to products that won’t muddle my momentum.

There you have it, a unique and interrogative view into the workings behind Smokin Gun Apothecary. This crew, along with their team of budtenders, has worked tirelessly to craft an environment to purchase cannabis from that is as educational as it is fun. There is a lot of compassion too that has gone into making Smokin Gun what it is, and I’m sure you can see just how much cannabis has affected the lives of the staff there for the better. If you’ve never visited a recreational marijuana dispensary the attention to detail and laid-back attitude at Smokin Gun makes it an ideal first visit. Even if you are a seasoned pro, chances are you can still learn a thing or two about cannabis prohibition during your visit. If you’re looking for savings, then you should investigate the Smokin Gun Prohibition Pass. The Prohibition Pass is an amazing subscription service that will ensure that you’re getting the best prices in town on your next visit to Smokin Gun. So, whether you’re a historian, a penny pincher, a dispensary explorer, a marijuana connoisseur, or just a run-of-the-mill weed enthusiast, stop by Smokin Gun for yourself and meet some of the crew that has made this dispensary more than just a pipe dream.

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Meet the Crew : Smokin Gun Apothecary

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What makes a dispensary great? At Smokin Gun Apothecary, it’s the dedicated staff and crew who work tirelessly to craft a retail cannabis experience that is unique to every customer.